Vegetable oils are alternatives to producing renewable monomers since they are biomass. It is possible to react them with anhydrides by heating to provide monomers with high reactivity. However, after the reaction of grape seed oil with itaconic anhydride, it was observed the occurrence of parallel reactions that had not been observed when the same oil was reacted with maleic anhydride. Some articles in the literature have reported that temperature and bases can isomerize itaconic anhydride into citraconic anhydride, which is more stable at room temperature. However, they have not focused on completely understanding how this phenomenon occurred nor studied it in processes that involve microwave irradiation. Therefore, this paper presents a complete characterization and investigation about the thermal behavior of itaconic anhydride and how it can affect the monomer synthesis performed under heating. biomass reactivity However irradiation Therefore

ABSTRACT: Glanders is an infectious disease of equids caused by Burkholderia mallei, a facultative intracellular non-mobile Gram-negative bacterium that can be transmitted to other animals and humans. This study described glanders cases reported in the state of Maranhão, located within an Amazon-Cerrado transition region in northeastern Brazil, from 2007 to 2017. A database in an electronic spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel 2010) was developed containing information on the number of positive animals according to age, sex, purpose, year and month, municipality and mesoregion of origin of the animal. The descriptive analyzis was performed on data provided by the State Agency for Agricultural and Livestock Protection of the state of Maranhão (AGED), and by the official private laboratory. As the database did not have information data about negative animals, possible risk factors could not be evaluated. Among the total of 62,555 equids were evaluated by means of the complement fixation test (CFT), 59,036 were horses, 2,981 mules and 538 donkeys. Thirty-five samples (0.06%) reacted in the CFT. Five additional samples were by the western blot technique and three of them were positive. All the reactive horses (Equuscaballus) were from rural areas. Results presented here indicate that glanders may be endemic in the state of Maranhão and is a public health concern.

RESUMO: O mormo é uma doença infecciosa de equídeos causada por Burkholderia mallei, uma bactéria Gram-negativa intracelular, não móvel e facultativa que pode ser transmitida a outros animais e humanos. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever os casos de mormo relatados no estado do Maranhão, em uma região de transição Amazônia-Cerrado do Nordeste do Brasil, no período de 2007 a 2017. Um banco de dados em uma planilha eletrônica (Microsoft Excel 2010) foi desenvolvido contendo informações sobre o número de animais positivos de acordo com a idade, sexo, finalidade, ano, mês, municípios e mesorregiões de origem do animal. A análise descritiva foi realizada sobre os dados fornecidos pela Agência Estadual de Defesa Agropecuária do Estado do Maranhão (AGED), e pelo laboratório privado oficial. Como o banco de dados não possui informações sobre animais negativos, possíveis fatores de risco não puderam ser avaliados. Entre o total de 62.555 equídeos foram avaliados com o teste de fixação do complemento (CFT), 59.036 eram cavalos, 2.981 mulas e 538 jumentos. Trinta e cinco (0,06%) amostras reagiram ao CFT. Cinco amostras adicionais foram testadas pela técnica de western blot e três foram positivas. Todos os animais positivos foram cavalos (Equus caballus) da área rural. Os resultados indicam que o mormo pode ser endêmico no estado do Maranhão e uma preocupação de saúde pública.

RESUMO: Os efeitos da utilização de acetato como um agente alcalinizante em soluções eletrolíticas enterais de manutenção administradas por sonda nasogástrica em fluxo contínuo não foram descritos em potros desmamados. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos de soluções eletrolíticas enterais contendo diferentes concentrações de acetato sobre o equilíbrio ácido base, concentrações plasmáticas de glicose e lactato, e pH urinário de potros desmamados. Este trabalho foi um estudo controlado em um delineamento cross-over (6X2) utilizando seis potros com idade média de 7.3 ± 1.4 meses. Após 12h de restrição hídrica e alimentar, cada animal recebeu os dois tratamentos por via nasogástrica em fluxo contínuo de 15 ml/kg/h durante 12h: HighAcetate (52 mmol/l) e LowAcetate (22.6 mmol/l). O grupo HighAcetate foi eficaz em gerar um pequeno aumento no pH sanguíneo, concentração de bicarbonato sanguíneo, excesso de base e pH urinário.

ABSTRACT: The effects of acetate as an alkalinizing agent in maintenance enteral electrolyte solutions administered by nasogastric route in a continuous flow have not been previously described in weaned foals. This is the second part of a study that evaluated the effects of two electrolyte solutions of enteral therapy fluid in weaned foals. In this part, will be considered the effects of enteral electrolyte solutions containing different acetate concentrations on acid-base balance, blood glucose, lactate and urine pH of weaned foals. This was a controlled trial in a cross-over design performed in six foals with a mean age of 7.3 ± 1.4 months. After 12 h of water and food deprivation, each animal received the following two treatments by nasogastric route in a continuous flow of 15 ml/kg/h during 12 h: HighAcetate (acetate 52 mmol/l) and LowAcetate (acetate 22.6 mmol/l). The HighAcetate treatment was effective in generating a slight increase in blood pH, blood bicarbonate concentration, base excess and urinary pH.

ABSTRACT. The study evaluated the performance, carcass characteristics, tissue composition, and meat quality of goats raised on pasture in the Caatinga rangeland supplemented with Leucena (Leucaena leucocephala) and Sabiá (Mimosa caesapiniifolia) hays associated or not with spineless cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera), and without supplementation. Thirty male castrated goats, no defined breed, with an average body weight of 15.5 kg ± 0.64 were used, distributed in a randomized block design, according to the initial weight of the animals. The experimental period lasted 105 days. The highest intake of DM, OM and CP occurred in the animals supplemented with Leucena hay associated or not with spineless cactus. The intake of NDF was higher (p <0.05) for animals fed only with Leucena and Sabiá hays. The highest intake of TDN was observed for diets, only grazing, and hays associated with spineless cactus. The daily weight gain for goats fed with Leucena hay and spineless cactus was 68.5% higher (p <0.05) than on grazing alone. Consequently, they obtained the highest (p <0.05) weights and yields of carcasses, shoulder, loin, and leg cuts, conformation and finishing scores, leg muscle index, and % fat in the leg of goats. The meat quality did not differ. The supplementation with Leucena hay associated with spineless cactus improves performance, weights, and yields of the carcass, commercial cuts, leg muscle of goats grazing in the Caatinga rangeland.

Resumen La clasificación de la madera aserrada es una de las actividades más subjetivas de la fase final del proceso de aserrado de trozas en los aserríos. La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo proponer herramientas de auxilio en la clasificación de madera aserrada de coníferas. El estudio se realizó en el aserrío Combate de Tenerías de la Empresa Forestal Integral (EFI) Macurije, Pinar del Río, Cuba. Los datos utilizados proceden de 259 tablas de Pinus caribaea var. caribaea clasificadas siguiendo las exigencias (24 variables) y clases establecidas por el clasificador de madera aserrada de coníferas utilizado en Cuba. Se procedió al ajuste de un modelo de Regresión Logística Multinomial Ordinal (RLMO) y al entrenamiento de Redes Neuronales Artificiales (RNAs). Los parámetros del modelo RLMO fueron estimados usando el método de máxima verosimilitud optimizada con el algoritmo de Newton-Raphson. El entrenamiento de las RNAs se realizó con el algoritmo Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno (BFGS). El problema de multicolinearidad, casi siempre presente en modelaciones con numerosas variables predictivas, fue abordado con el análisis factorial, utilizando los factores retenidos como entradas de los modelos. Con base en el porcentaje de aciertos en la clasificación, la RNA RBF 24-8-4 fue superior a las ecuaciones de regresión logística ordinal.

Abstract Lumber classification is one of the most subjective activities of the final phase of log sawing process in sawmills. The objective of this research was to propose tools that assist in conifers lumber grading. The research was carried out at the sawmill Combate de Tenerías of Macurije integrated forest company, Pinar del Río, Cuba. The data used comes from 259 lumber pieces of Pinus caribaea var. caribaea classified following the requirements (24 variables) and classes established by the conifers lumber grader used in Cuba. We proceeded to fit a Multinomial and Ordinal Logistic Regression (MOLR) model and train Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs). The parameters of the MOLR model were estimated using the maximum likelihood method optimized with the Newton Raphson algorithm. ANNs were trained with Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno (BFGS) algorithm. The multicollinearity problem, usually present in modeling with numerous predictive variables, was addressed with factor analysis, using the factors retained as inputs to the models. Based on the percentage of correct classification, the ANN RBF 24-8-4 was superior to the ordinal logistic regression equations.

Abstract Milk is a food widely consumed by the population, so it is important that it has adequate hygienic conditions and is free of chemical contaminants from various sources. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of avermectin residues in milk produced in the state of Pernambuco. The collections were performed in the dry and rainy season, being collected 60 and 48 samples, respectively, which were analyzed in the National Agricultural Laboratory of Rio Grande do Sul by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. In the dry period, 46.7% (28/60) of samples with avermectin residues above the Limit of Detection (LD), 1.7% (01/60) with levels above the Quantifiable Limit (QL) and 51.6% (31/60) did not detect any residues. In the rainy season, 6.25% (03/48) presented residues above LD and in 93.75% (45/48) of samples there was no detection of residues. No samples were detected with amounts of avermectins above the Maximum Residue Limit in this study. The milk evaluated did not expose high risks to the health of the population, due to the low level of residues present. However, veterinary drug residue monitoring data are essential for assessing human exposure to these compounds.

Abstract This work was carried out with the objective of evaluating, technically and economically, timber extraction in plantations of Pinus caribaea var. caribaea of Macurije forest company located in the province of Pinar del Río, Cuba. For this, time and movement studies were carried out using "productivity" and "unit cost" of wood extraction as evaluation criteria. The skidders and oxen performance evaluation, in different harvest systems and slope classes, was performed through univariate and multivariate (cost and/or productivity) factorial experiments (3 × 3 × 2), following a randomized block design (B1 = 21 years and B2 = 32 years), with the factors "machinery" and "slope" with three and "harvest systems" with two levels. The feasibility and usefulness of the multivariate approach in the evaluation of timber extraction were evidenced; timber extraction is more viable with the tree length harvest systems in stands of 32 years. The interaction machinery-slope had a significant influence on the variation of the whole cost-productivity. The John Deere 548E skidder, for presenting lower unit cost and higher productivity than the J-80A, is recommended for semi-mechanized timber extraction. The most viable is the yoke of oxen because of its greater profitability. However, due to its low productivity, it can only be used in combination with other machines or during periods of decelerated production. Its exclusive use is impracticable since it would imply significantly increasing its quantity to compensate for its low productivity.

Resumen El presente trabajo se realizó con el objetivo de evaluar, técnica y económicamente la extracción de madera en plantaciones de Pinus caribaea var. caribaea de la empresa forestal Macurije, ubicada en la provincia de Pinar del Río, Cuba. Para ello, se llevaron a cabo estudios de tiempos y movimientos teniendo como criterios de evaluación "productividad" y "costo unitario" de extracción de la madera. La evaluación del desempeño de los tractores articulados (skidders) y de las yuntas de bueyes en diferentes sistemas de aprovechamiento y clases de pendiente se realizó por medio de experimentos factoriales (3 × 3 × 2) univariados y multivariados (costo unitario e/o productividad), siguiendo un diseño al azar en bloques (B1 = 21 años y B2 = 32 años), con los factores "maquinaria" y "pendiente" con tres niveles y "sistema de aprovechamiento" con dos niveles. Se evidenciaron la viabilidad y la utilidad del enfoque multivariado en la evaluación de la extracción de madera; es más viable extraer la madera con el sistema de tronco entero en plantaciones de 32 años. La interacción maquinaria-pendiente tuvo influencia significativa en la variación del conjunto costo-productividad. El skidder John Deere 548E, por presentar menor costo unitario y mayor productividad que el J-80A, es el recomendado para la extracción semimecanizada de la madera. El más viable es la yunta de bueyes por su mayor rentabilidad. Sin embargo, por su baja productividad, solo podrá ser utilizado en combinación con otras máquinas o en periodos de producción desacelerada. Su uso exclusivo no es práctico ya que implicaría aumentar significativamente su cantidad para compensar su baja productividad.

Abstract Purpose Although credit unions are nonprofit organizations, their objectives depend on the efficient management of their resources and credit risk aligned with the principles of the cooperative doctrine. This paper aims to propose the combined use of credit scoring and profit scoring to increase the effectiveness of the loan-granting process in credit unions. Design/methodology/approach This sample is composed by the data of personal loans transactions of a Brazilian credit union. Findings The analysis reveals that the use of statistical methods improves significantly the predictability of default when compared to the use of subjective techniques and the superiority of the random forests model in estimating credit scoring and profit scoring when compared to logit and ordinary least squares method (OLS) regression. The study also illustrates how both analyses can be used jointly for more effective decision-making. Originality/value Replacing subjective analysis with objective credit analysis using deterministic models will benefit Brazilian credit unions. The credit decision will be based on the input variables and on clear criteria, turning the decision-making process impartial. The joint use of credit scoring and profit scoring allows granting credit for the clients with the highest potential to pay debt obligation and, at the same time, to certify that the transaction profitability meets the goals of the organization: to be sustainable and to provide loans and investment opportunities at attractive rates to members.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to obtain regression equations and artificial neural networks (ANNs) for prediction and prognosis of the yield of Pinus caribaea var. caribaea Barrett & Golfari. The data used for modeling comes from measuring the variables diameter at breast height (DBH) and total height (Ht) in 550 temporary plots and 14 circular permanent plots with 500 m2 in Pinus caribaea var. caribaea plantations, aged between 3 and 41 years old. In growth prediction, the results indicated Schumacher model as the best fit to the data. On prognosis, the modified Buckman system was better than Clutter’s. ANNs presented a similar performance to the Buckman model in volume prognosis, however these were superior for basal area prognosis.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is the most prevalent systemic mycosis in Latin America. This study aimed to evaluate the natural history of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis-induced experimental arthritis of the knee joints in Wistar rats. METHODS: Rats were randomly allocated to either an absolute control group, or 15-day, 45-day, or 90-day experimental (fungus-inoculated) groups. RESULTS: Experimental groups developed classic signs of articular PCM. Titers of anti-gp43 were observed to increase during the interval from 15 to 45 days post-inoculation. CONCLUSIONS: Articular arthritic lesions were induced and progressed during the study period in all experimental groups.

Abstract In this paper, procedures are proposed for determining the technical, economic and technical-economic rotations in forest plantations. The classical criteria of maximum productivity were determined: annual average increase and maximum land expected value. For the determination of the rotations, in addition to using the analytical tools (by adjusting forest growth models) and graphical tools conventionally used, mathematical programming models were proposed: model R-01 based on integer linear programming for the determination of the mono-criteria rotations and the models R-02 and R-03 based on weighted integer goal programming and lexicographic integer goal programming, respectively, for multi-criteria rotation determination. The validity of the proposed models was verified through the consistency of the technical, economic and technical-economic rotation ages determined by diverse site index in Pinus caribaea Morelet var. caribaea Barr. & Golf. plantations. The technically optimal rotations varied between 31 years and 35 years according to the site index and the economically optimal rotations between 18 years and 21 years. It was noticed that the technical-economic rotations are highly influenced by the criterion of greater importance in both approaches. The results found for Pinus caribaea var. caribaea with these approaches indicated intermediate rotations between the technical and the economic ones, these varying between 23 years and 25 years.

Resumen En el presente trabajo se proponen procedimientos de determinación de los turnos técnicos, económicos y técnico-económicos en plantaciones forestales. Se procedió a la determinación de los criterios clásicos de máxima productividad: incremento medio anual y máximo valor esperado de la tierra. Para la determinación de los turnos, además de utilizar las herramientas analíticas (por ajuste de modelos de crecimiento forestal) y gráficas convencionalmente utilizadas, se propusieron modelos de programación matemática: el modelo R-01 basado en la programación lineal entera, para la determinación de los turnos monocriterios, y los modelos R-02 y R-03 basados en la programación por metas ponderada entera y en la programación por metas lexicográficas entera, respectivamente, para la determinación del turno con múltiples objetivos. La validez de los modelos propuestos fue verificada a través de la consistencia y realismo biológico de las edades de rotación técnicas, económicas y técnico-económicas determinadas por índice de sitio en plantaciones de Pinus caribaea Morelet var. caribaea Barr. & Golf. de la empresa Macurije. Los turnos técnicamente óptimos variaron entre 31 años y 35 años según la calidad del sitio y los turnos económicamente óptimos entre 18 años y 21 años. Se percibió que los turnos técnico-económicos son altamente influenciados por el criterio de mayor importancia, tanto en el enfoque de metas ponderadas como en el de metas lexicográficas. Los resultados encontrados para el Pinus caribaea var. caribaea con esos enfoques indicaron turnos intermedios entre los técnicos y los económicos, variando estos entre 23 años y 25 años.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies in female buffalo in the state of Pernambuco. A total of 123 female buffalo blood samples were collected from five properties distributed in the state of Pernambuco. The microscopic agglutination test was used to study anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies. The occurrence of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies was 28.5% (35/123; CI 20.7–37.3%) and on different properties, the occurrence ranged from 28.6% to 80.0%, with 100% of the properties showing animals with positive results. The serovars of the serogroup Sejroe with a higher incidence were Hardjoprajtino (CTG strain, 49.1%) and Hardjo (Prajtino genotype, 43.2%), followed by serogroup Grippotyphosa with the Grippotyphosa serovar (3.9%), serogroup Pomona with the Pomona serovar (1.9%), and the Icterohaemorrhagiae serovar Copenhageni (1.9%). This was the first record of the occurrence of anti-Lepstospira spp. antibodies in female buffalo in the state of Pernambuco. Control measures are necessary to prevent health and economic losses, given that the agent involved affects animal reproduction, triggering drops in conception rates or even clinical cases of abortion.

RESUMO Objetivo Estudar a relação entre exercício e desnutrição, pois evidências recentes sugerem que o exercício físico pode causar a adaptação benéfica de sistemas antioxidantes, enquanto a desnutrição pode causar adaptação prejudicial a esses sistemas. Métodos Trinta e duas ratas Fischer foram igualmente divididas nos grupos Controle Sedentário, Controle Treinado, Desnutrido Sedentário e Desnutrido Treinado. O protocolo de treinamento consistiu em nadar por 30 minutos continuamente por 5 dias/semana por 8 semanas. Resultados Demonstramos que as atividades de aspartato aminotransferase e alanina aminotransferase aumentaram em ratos desnutridos, mas o treinamento físico reverteu esses efeitos. O nível de glutationa foi diminuído pela desnutrição, enquanto o treinamento físico aumentou os níveis de proteína carbonilada do fígado e aumentou os níveis de substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico que foram diminuídas pela desnutrição. Além disso, os ratos desnutridos treinados tiveram um peso corporal médio maior que os desnutridos sedentários (62,77g vs 55,08g, respectivamente). Conclusão Os dados mostram que o exercício foi capaz de reverter ou reduzir os danos causados pela desnutrição, como perda de peso e a disfunção hepática por uma via independente da participação de enzimas envolvidas na defesa antioxidante e que não há interação entre exercício e desnutrição.

ABSTRACT Objective To study the relationship between exercise and malnourishment because recent evidence suggests that exercise can cause the beneficial adaptation of antioxidant systems, whereas malnourishment can cause harmful adaptation of these systems. Methods Thirty-two female Fischer rats were equally divided into Sedentary Control, Trained Control, Sedentary Malnourished and Trained Malnourished groups. The training protocol consisted of swimming for 30 minutes continuously for 5 days/week for 8 weeks. Results It was demonstrated that aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities increased in malnourished rats, but physical training reversed these effects by lowering the raised levels. The glutathione level was diminished by malnourishment whereas physical training increased the levels of liver carbonyl protein and increased the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances that were diminished by malnourishment. In addition, Trained Malnourished rats had a higher average body weight than Sedentary Malnourished ones (62.77g vs. 55.08g, respectively). Conclusion The data show that exercise was able to reverse or reduce damage caused by malnourishment, such as weight loss and liver dysfunction by a pathway independent of the participation of enzymes involved in antioxidant defense and that there is no interaction between exercise and malnutrition.

ABSTRACT The present study was carried out with the objective of obtaining regression equations and Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) for the prognosis of Pinus caribaea var. caribaea survival in Macurije Forest Company, province of Pinar del Río - Cuba. The data used in the modeling comes from the measurement of the variables age (years) and survival (density) in circular permanent plots of 500 m² established in P. caribaea var. caribaea plantations. The study was divided into three stages: i) Adjustment of survival traditional regression models; ii) Training of ANNs for survival prognosis, including categorical variables «site» and «Basic Units of Forest Production»; iii) Comparison of regression equations performance with those of ANNs in survival prognosis. The best models and ANNs were selected based on: adjusted determination coefficient - R2 aj (%), square root of the mean square error - RMSE (%) and residue distribution analysis. The evaluation of the models goodness of fit also included the verification of the assumptions of normality, homocedasticity and absence of serial autocorrelation in the residues by Kolmogorov-Smirnov, White and Durbin-Watson tests, respectively. The model of Pienaar and Shiver, in 1981 turned out to be the best fit in survival prognosis. The ANN MLP 13-10-1 was the one with the best generalization capacity and presented a performance similar to that of Pienaar and Shiver equation.

RESUMEN El presente estudio fue realizado con el objetivo de obtener ecuaciones de regresión y Redes Neuronales Artificiales (RNAs) para la proyección de la supervivencia de Pinus caribaea var. caribaea en la empresa forestal Macurije, provincia de Pinar del Río, Cuba. Los datos utilizados en las modelaciones provienen de la medición de las variables edad (años) y supervivencia (densidad) en parcelas permanentes circulares de 500 m², establecidas en plantaciones de P. caribaea var. caribaea. El estudio se dividió en tres etapas: 1) Ajuste de modelos de regresión tradicionales para proyección de supervivencia; 2) Entrenamientos de RNAs para la proyección de supervivencia, incluyendo variables categóricas «sitio» y «Unidades Básicas de Producción Forestal»; 3) Comparación de los desempeños de las ecuaciones de regresión con los de las RNAs en la proyección de la supervivencia. Los mejores modelos y RNAs fueron seleccionados y basados en: coeficiente de determinación ajustado -R2 aj (%), raíz cuadrada del error medio cuadrático - RMSE (%) y análisis de distribución de residuos. La evaluación de la bondad de ajuste de los modelos también incluyó la verificación de los supuestos de normalidad, homocedasticidad y ausencia de autocorrelación serial en los residuos por las pruebas de Kolmogorov-Smirnov, White y Durbin-Watson, respectivamente. El modelo de Pienaar y Shiver en 1981 resultó ser el de mejor ajuste en la proyección de la supervivencia. La RNA de arquitectura MLP 13-10-1 fue la de mejor capacidad de generalización y presentó un desempeño similar al de la ecuación obtenida del ajuste del modelo de Pienaar y Shiver.

Abstract Paper aims This paper presents a comparison of the performances of the Bayesian additive regression trees (BART), Random Forest (RF) and the logistic regression model (LRM) for the development of credit scoring models. Originality It is not usual the use of BART methodology for the analysis of credit scoring data. The database was provided by Serasa-Experian with information regarding direct retail consumer credit operations. The use of credit bureau variables is not usual in academic papers. Research method Several models were adjusted and their performances were compared by using regular methods. Main findings The analysis confirms the superiority of the BART model over the LRM for the analyzed data. RF was superior to LRM only for the balanced sample. The best-adjusted BART model was superior to RF. Implications for theory and practice The paper suggests that the use of BART or RF may bring better results for credit scoring modelling.